Chinese and Uzbek leaders have met in the Uzbek capital city of Tashkent to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on cooperation between the two countries' parliaments and issues of common concern.

A Chinese delegation headed by He Luli, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), paid a five-day visit to Uzbekistan at an invitation of the nation's Supreme Assembly on Sept. 6-10.

During the visit, He met with Erkin Halilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber, Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev and other senior officials.

Halilov stressed that his country supports China's stance on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and combat against "East Turkistan" separatist forces.

He said Uzbekistan is ready to strengthen cooperation with China on fighting these "the evil forces" of separatism, extremism and terrorism to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Mirziyayev also reaffirmed that Uzbekistan adheres to the one-China policy and will unswervingly support China's stance on the Taiwan issue and its efforts to safeguard national unity.

Both sides believed that China-Uzbekistan ties have been experienced sound and stable development since the two nations established diplomatic relations 15 years ago.

Political mutual trust between the two nations is deepening, and China and Uzbekistan have achieved fruitful results in the fields of economy and trade, energy, security and culture, they said.

Both sides agreed to further carry out exchanges and cooperation between the two nations' parliaments at all level and in all fields.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2007)